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Pantothenic acid and biotin - Recommendations

Alternative Names

Biotin; Vitamin B5; B5 vitamin

Recommendations:

The Food and Nutrition Center of the Institute of Medicine has established the following recommended dietary intakes:

Pantothenic acid:

Age 0-6 months: 1.7 milligrams per day (mg/day)
Age 7-12 months 1.8 mg/day
Age 1-3 years: 2 mg/day
Age 4-8 years: 3 mg/day
Age 9-13 years: 4 mg/day
Age 14 and older: 5 mg/day

Biotin:

Age 0-6 months: 5 micrograms per day (mcg/day)
Age 7-12 months: 6 mcg/day
Age 1-3 years: 8 mcg/day
Age 4-8 years: 12 mcg/day
Age 9-13 years: 20 mcg/day
Age 14 -18 years: 25 mcg/day
19 and older: 30 mcg/day

The best way to get the daily requirement of essential vitamins is to eat a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods from the food guide pyramid.

Specific recommendations depend on age, gender, and other factors (such as pregnancy). Women who are pregnant or producing breast milk (lactating) need higher amounts. Ask your health care provider which amount is best for you.

Reviewed last on: 3/7/2009
Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. National Academy Press, Washington, DC, 2000.

Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007.

Rakel D, ed. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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